How to treat sick cat?

(February 25, 2010)

Cats can become sick due to various reasons but they cannot communicate to you the full extent of their sickness. You have to observe your pet very closely to recognize the symptoms as early as possible to avoid any further complications. Here are a few common symptoms related to sick cats:

• Vomiting is a very common symptom in sick cats. It may occur due to various reasons such as bowel disease, organ failure, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism.

• Diarrhea is another common symptom that may occur due to feline panleukopenia, parasite infection, and change of food.

• Weight loss is very common in older cats and often the first sign of the disease.

• Skin problems and hair loss are symptoms related to an immune disorder or a food allergy.

• Watery eyes and sneezing are symptoms related to cold.

Based on the symptoms, if you get to know about your cat’s disease, follow the guidelines mentioned below to take care of your sick cat:

• Contact your veterinarian to diagnose the disease related to the various symptoms. Ask your veterinarian to give you a demo on how to administer the medication to your cat.

• Be prepared for emergencies and always make sure that the veterinarian hospital has an emergency treatment room.

• Maintain an isolated area for your sick cat and do not allow any intrusion. Keep a comfortable bed, litter box, water vessel, and food bowl handy.

• Sick cats are reluctant to eat food; so, you must make sure to offer tempting food prescribed by the veterinarian. The food should be rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and tissue building properties.

• Sometimes, sick cats do not eat at all. In this case you should try feeding it solid food with your hands; use a bottle to feed it liquid food.

• Sick cats are reluctant to take medicines. You should give them medicines by mixing it with good food or water.

• In case of a respiratory disease, where your cat may be unable to breathe properly, put it in the bathroom and turn on the hot water tap. This process will allow the cat to inhale some steam, which will make the breathing easier.

• In case of high temperature, immediately check the body temperature. You can do this by inserting the thermometer into the rectum of your cat by holding it on your lap.

• You can check the pulse by putting your fingers on the cat’s thigh; the normal pulse rate is 90 to 100.

• If your cat is recovering from surgery, then keep a record of its body temperature, eating frequency, drinking, urination, bowl movement, and any change in the conditions.